Need a new Pontoon Boat, looking for ideas

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by chasedawg

LKIN....
You can't go wrong with a Bennington. For two years I sea trialed eight different manufactures on quality consturction, performance and value both from boat and dealer. I took out all of the manufactors boats out for WOT performance in 4-5 foot waves.. The Bennington tritoon out performed all by a wide margin

My ranking came out as Bennington rated in my mind #1. Harris number #2 and Premier and Manitou rated three and four. If the local dealer would let go of the Optimax versus the Verado the Premier would in my mind jump to number 2. I heard from so many Premier owners wishing they went with the 4 stroke Verado vs the Optimax. There is a place for both. Optimax has higher performance but is a 2 stroke and noisy . The Verado is a extremely quite engine compared to all others. Nevertheless Winnisquam Marina is a quality run family organization.

I agree on the Optimax vs Verado concept as well (sorry Ryan). My recent one is Verado and I would have a tough time going back. My 250 Pro XS was loud. I have never owned nor driven a Bennington so I cannot compare. Canvas is a big deal for us being islanders, and I think that the canvas setup on the Premiers with the J-clips instead of snaps is a huge benefit.

I cant imagine getting any better (or comparable) service than I get from Winnisquam so it is hard for me to look elsewhere.

[chasedawg]

Originally Posted by codeman671

I agree on the Optimax vs Verado concept as well (sorry Ryan). My recent one is Verado and I would have a tough time going back. My 250 Pro XS was loud. I have never owned nor driven a Bennington so I cannot compare. Canvas is a big deal for us being islanders, and I think that the canvas setup on the Premiers with the J-clips instead of snaps is a huge benefit.

I cant imagine getting any better (or comparable) service than I get from Winnisquam so it is hard for me to look elsewhere.

Codeman671....I agree with you. I owned a Optimax 200 and would never go back after my experience with the Verado. It is an amazing engine.

I also live on an island. So canvass for protection from the weather is very important to us. Bennington has clips like the J-clips, but different design. I would never go back to the snaps. It kills my fingers trying to put them on. I had a custom stern enclosure with frowns in each panel done by Ship Shape. They did a great job.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by chasedawg

. I would never go back to the snaps. It kills my fingers trying to put them on. I had a custom stern enclosure with frowns in each panel done by Ship Shape. They did a great job.

Quick comment on snaps: bought some snap lubrication...I had never heard of such a thing. Easy to snap (no complaints from my wife now) and unsnap. Makes all the difference in the world for those hard to snap fasteners.

Now back to subject at hand.

[Grandpa Redneck]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Quick comment on snaps: bought some snap lubrication...I had never heard of such a thing. Easy to snap (no complaints from my wife now) and unsnap. Makes all the difference in the world for those hard to snap fasteners.

Now back to subject at hand.

Chap stick works great on snaps

[SAMIAM]

Love my Bennington....not quite as fast as Chasedawg's.....darn !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IOJd..._embedded#t=0s

[Winnilifer]

Very sorry to hear of the loss of your boat.

Here is another vote of confidence in Bennington and Jason Wylie at Channel Marine. I am on Winnisquam looked at toons chasedawg mentioned as well met with people at the various marinas. We purchased our 25QCW-I/O from him and have been very happy with sevice (different lake) and his (Jason's) follow-up after the sale as well.

Good Luck

[Lkin]

Thanks. Jason is a good guy to deal with.

Hopefully it will be recovered. If not, boat us says it would be 60 days before they woukd settle. That pretty much kills the season for me.

[Lkin]

Update- boat was found in saugus mass today. Dzmage to be determined.
Thanks to all for their ideas!

[cmack]

That's great news. Hopefully it's in perfect condition.

[tis]

Why don't people read the WHOLE thread? Not enough time, I guess.

[Lkin]

Still waiting for full damage report. Early report is the thieves took the prop, damaged some of the panels, took the speakers, stereo, possibkyvthe gps, and the trailer. Left it on a ramp in saugus mass.
Hopefully it wont impact my boating season too much!

[BroadHopper]

I'm surprise someone took the whole boat and take the electronics and drive. One could do that in like 10 minutes right at the yard!

I'm surprise the police says it is rare. The lake grapevine almost always has rumours going on that an i/o was stolen, electronics etc. Once someone swap my fairly new boat trailer for an older model! The sad part about this story was the police confiscated the trailer when I reported it. I had to purchase another trailer.

My dad had his Higgins stolen for a joy ride. It was abandoned at Gilford beach.

Insurance policy says I had to wait 90 days, for someone to find the stolen boat or trailer. During that time you are out of luck as they don't pay for rentals.

[NHBUOY]

www.biltmoremarine.com For your consideration..